Chapter 8 - Cassandra’s Last Attempt
Cassandra returned when Ambrose began rebuilding his life.
Not his empire.
That was gone.
But his life.
He had moved into a small apartment near Riverside Drive. He attended counseling. He worked with the housing-recovery organization created from the restitution funds.
Most importantly, he showed up for Evelyn.
Doctor appointments.
Weekend walks.
Feeding lessons.
Late-night calls when Jacqueline was exhausted.
Then Cassandra appeared outside his apartment one rainy evening.
She looked different.
Less polished.
More desperate.
“I need help,” she said.
Ambrose stood in the doorway.
“With what?”
“My career is over. I cannot get work. People hate me.”
“You made choices.”
“So did you.”
“Yes.”
Cassandra looked past him into the modest apartment.
“You really gave all of it up?”
“I lost it.”
“You could get it back.”
Ambrose almost laughed.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I finally understand that some things are not worth rebuilding.”
Cassandra’s face hardened.
“This is about Jacqueline.”
“No,” Ambrose said. “This is about not becoming the man who betrayed her again.”
Cassandra stepped closer.
“She will never forgive you.”
“Maybe not.”
“Then why are you trying?”
Ambrose thought of Evelyn’s hand closing around his finger.
“Because she should not have to forgive me for me to become better.”
Cassandra stared at him.
Then she turned and walked away.
May you like
Ambrose watched her disappear into the rain.
This time, he did not follow.
